Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 10: In a swift operation, the Mangaluru CCB police arrested two notorious gold thieves within 24 hours of their crimes, recovering stolen gold and a motorcycle used in the thefts.

The accused, Habib Hassan (43) and Umar Shiyaf (29), were involved in multiple gold thefts in Mangaluru and Karkala earlier this month, targeting women on public roads.

In an incident that occurred on December 6, the thieves approached Sujina D'Souza, a cook at an Anganwadi centre in Naringana village, under the pretext of asking for directions to Manjanadu.

While Sujina was distracted closing the door, the thieves pushed inside and snatched a gold chain from her neck. The suspects fled on a motorcycle.

A case was registered at the Konaje Police Station, and the investigation led to the swift identification of the accused.

Just a few days later, in an another incident that occurred on December 9, the same suspects struck again in Karkala. A woman named Vasanthi was walking along the road when the thieves, posing as people asking for directions, snatched her gold chain and sped away.

The Karkala Rural Police launched an investigation, and the same suspects were identified as being responsible for this theft.

Both suspects have a long history of criminal activities, especially involving gold thefts. Habib Hassan, a repeat offender, has 39 recorded cases across various police stations in Mangaluru, Bantwal, Moodabidri, Ullal, Karkala, and other areas. His crimes include not only gold theft but also cattle theft and vehicle theft. He was recently released on bail from jail just four days before the latest thefts occurred.

Umar Shiyaf has also been involved in an attempted murder case and multiple gold thefts in Bantwal and Moodabidri.

The Mangaluru CCB team analysed CCTV footage and gathered crucial intelligence, leading them to identify the suspects. A raid was conducted at Mangaluru's Car Street, where the police arrested Habib Hassan and Umar Shiyaf.

The police recovered 17.43 grams of stolen gold, a Hero Honda motorcycle (KA-19-V-9160) used in the thefts, and a knife that was used by the suspects to threaten the police during their arrest.

Both men had also been involved in stealing bikes to facilitate their criminal activities, using the stolen vehicles to commit further thefts. Their arrest has brought closure to multiple gold theft cases in the region, with the police ensuring no further thefts occurred in the area.

The operation was led by ACP Manoj Kumar Naik and was carried out by Inspectors Shyam Sundar H M, PSI Sudeep M V, and the entire CCB team. The police have successfully prevented further crimes, bringing the notorious thieves to justice.